La Tour, with all his faults, was never unjust to her merits; and, though he had married her without affection, her exemplary conduct gradually removed his indifference, and gained an ascendancy over him, which his pride would never have brooked from a less superior mind.  The misfortune which had now befallen him, Mad. de la Tour had reason to apprehend, would lead to still more serious consequences.  His imprisonment might prove long and perilous; and it was probable that D’Aulney would take advantage of so good an opportunity to renew his attempt upon the fort.  La Tour had drawn his best men from the garrison, in the sanguine hope that he was leading them to victory; and now that defeat and capture had befallen them, those who remained behind were dispirited by the apprehension of an attack, for which they were entirely unprepared.  Madame de la Tour again appeared amongst them; and, though pale and debilitated by recent illness, her presence inspired them with renewed hope and resolution.  Her directions were obeyed with an alacrity, which shewed their confidence and affection; and she had soon the satisfaction of finding every duty promptly fulfilled, and every precaution taken, which the most vigilant prudence could suggest.  These arrangements, and their attendant cares, necessarily engrossed much of her time and thoughts; and diverted her mind from the contemplation of her husband’s dreary situation.

Several days passed away, and no intelligence was received, which could tend to relieve her anxiety.  A few of the men who escaped from the wreck of Stanhope’s vessel had returned to St. John’s, and confirmed the report of that disaster; but they were ignorant of any events which afterwards took place, either with regard to him, or La Tour.  Lucie endeavoured to support the irksome suspense, with something of that equanimity which her aunt invariably exhibited.  But she was less practised in this species of self-control; and the silence, which Madame de la Tour preserved respecting Stanhope, increased her uneasiness and depression.  She had never alluded to him, except in some casual remark, since the evening of his departure; and Lucie had no reason to believe her sentiments respecting his attachment were at all changed.  Pride and delicacy restrained her from entering on a theme, which was so pointedly shunned; but she felt wounded by a reserve that she had never before experienced; and the silence imposed on her, only gave more activity to her thoughts, which were perpetually engrossed by a subject, so closely connected with her happiness.  Mad. de la Tour’s conduct towards her was in every other respect unchanged; her affection and confidence undiminished; and Lucie fancied she could discern, in this, the influence of her guardian’s prejudices, or, perhaps, a prohibition which her aunt would not venture to disregard.